This study is based on the results from fieldwork conducted in November of 2014 in
the Gasabo and Kamonyi districts of Rwanda and aims to provide a cross-sectional
insight into the potential of optimized cookstove technology for rural Rwandan
households. The economic benefits of a transition into more sustainable cookstove
practices are recognized, by examining links between farming structures, waste
management and energy use. Rwanda confronts many challenges in the face of
climate change and increasing land pressure, which go hand in hand with energy
efficiency. In order to tackle the problems related to deforestation, land degradation
and loss of soil fertility, key factors, such as the use of cookstoves, must be identified
and adapted. The use of gasifier cookstoves can for example produce biochar, which
when used as a soil amendment, can sequester carbon, improve soil biology and
increase agricultural productivity.
Fieldwork results show that current cooking practices in the Gasabo and Kamonyi
districts do not enable efficient use of fuel. More than half of the farms that were
interviewed bought their firewood supplies, although functioning agroforestry
systems were observed on most of the farms. Food and crop waste was managed
through composts and mulching to cycle nutrients, and all farms fertilized their crops
with cow dung. Nonetheless, ever-increasing use of heavier fertilization was regarded
as a requirement to achieve anticipated crop yields.
Furthermore, optimized cookstove technology, such as the TLUD, the Philips Stove,
Biogas and Solar stoves are examined to discuss their economical suitability for rural
Rwandan households based on the criteria; fuel efficiency, time efficiency, household
air pollution levels and added benefits such as production of biochar in the case of
gasifier stoves or fertilizer from the biogas digester.
2015.